U.N. says Syria death toll near 70,000
U.N. human rights chief blasts Security Council for failing to act in Syria
After the Arab Spring
Syrian rebels take air base, nation's biggest dam
Activists: Base is in northern Syria; Dam capture gives rebels control of water, electricity flow in wide stretches of land
Egypt court orders YouTube blocked for a month
Judge orders access to video-sharing website blocked for 30 days for carrying anti-Islam film that caused deadly riots worldwide
Slain Tunisian leader's funeral marred by clashes
Hundreds of thousands come out for assassinated politician's funeral as gangs of young men fight police
Blast near Syrian military factory leaves 54 dead
Activists: Explosion killed plant workers waiting to go home at bus stop in central Syria
Islamic summit backs Syria dialogue
Call for dialogue between opposition, regime comes as initiative for talks proposed by anti-government leader appeared to be unraveling
Syrian soldiers dance to Usher's "Yeah!"
A video posted online purportedly shows Syrian soldiers taking a break from the country's civil war
Tunisia opposition leader shot to death
Chokri Belaid had been critical of Islamist-led gov't and violence by radical Muslims in post-Arab Spring Tunisia
Israel suggests responsibility for Syria strike
Assad says Israel is trying to "destabilize" Syria; Israel's defense minister says advanced weapons won't be allowed into Lebanon
Egypt "bodyguards" take stand against sex assault
In response to a number of brutal attacks on women protesters in Egypt, several groups have arisen to protect them
Egypt protesters, police clash at presidential palace
More than a week of political violence came to Mohammed Morsi's symbolic doorstep for the first time
Thousands in Egypt defy curfews, protest Morsi
Fresh wave of demonstrations against Islamist president, one week after unrest left up to 60 dead
Israeli jets spotted near Lebanon-Syria border
Overflights by Israeli fighter jets continue after rare airstrike targeting Syrian military targets near Damascus
Syria, Iran threaten Israel over air strike
Diplomat says Assad regime has "capacity to surprise in retaliation" as ally Iran warns of unspecified implications for Jewish State
Israeli planes hit Syrian target
The Syrian government is condemning an airstrike by Israeli warplanes deep inside Syria
Israel launches air strike inside Syria
U.S. officials say strike targeted convoy carrying weapons to Hezbollah, Syria says it was a research center near Lebanese border
Israeli strike reported along Lebanon-Syria border
Lebanese army says Israeli activity over Syrian border has increased sharply after Israeli warning of possible preemptive strike
Bashar Assad's wife expecting a war baby?
Newspaper with strong links to regime says U.K.-born First Lady of Syria, Asma Assad, is pregnant
Syria rebels allegedly seize gov't intel complex
Opposition activists say fighters have stormed complex in east, freeing at least 11 prisoners after fierce battle
Egypt Army chief warns state could "collapse"
Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who's also defense minister, tells cadets unrelenting political unrest could lead to "collapse of the state"
State of emergency fails to quell Egypt violence
Police fire tear gas at protesters in 4th day of clashes, ignoring President Morsi's emergency declaration, and his call for dialogue
Israel warns of possible pre-emptive strike in Syria
Fearful of Hezbollah or al Qaeda getting their hands on Assad's weapons of mass destruction, Israel may not wait for others
Egypt protester: "There is no bread, no freedom"
President Morsi declares state of emergency following deadly riots; protesters call for his removal after 200 days in office
Egypt's Morsi declares state of emergency
An angry president says there's "no going back on freedom, democracy and the supremacy of the law" after riots kill at least 50
Angry protests leave 7 dead on Egypt anniversary
Tens of thousands took to the streets demanding regime change on the 2nd anniversary of the revolution that toppled Mubarak
World
"Like a horror movie": Survivors, witnesses describe Swiss ski resort fire
As a deadly fire tore through the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski town of Crans-Montana, young people trapped inside tried desperately to escape.
Venus Williams gets wild card for Australian Open at age 45
Venus Williams, 45, received a wild-card entry to the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance.
Grim wait for families as work begins to ID victims of Swiss resort fire
Many of those killed and injured by a fire that tore through a bar in Switzerland's Crans-Montana ski resort were teenagers celebrating the new year.
Trump says if Iran kills protesters, U.S. will "come to their rescue"
As U.S.-Iran tension soars, Trump warns violence against protesters could bring an American intervention: "We are locked and loaded and ready to go."
U.S. says China military drills near Taiwan "increase tensions unnecessarily"
Chinese war games around Taiwan "unnecessarily" spiked tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department said, calling on Beijing to "cease its military pressure."
At least 6 reported killed during Iran protests over struggling economy
The deaths may mark the start of a heavier-handed response by Iran's theocracy over the demonstrations, which have slowed in Tehran but expanded elsewhere.
Pope starts 2026 with prayer for countries "bloodied by conflict"
Pope Leo XIV celebrated a New Year's Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica and then delivered a special noontime prayer from his studio overlooking the piazza.
Fire kills dozens at crowded Swiss Alps bar on New Year's
Police in Switzerland say a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort area is believed to have left about 40 people dead and dozens more injured.
France defends granting George Clooney and his family French citizenship
George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, were granted French citizenship because "they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France's international influence and cultural outreach," the French government said.
U.S.
More U.S.
Venus Williams gets wild card for Australian Open at age 45
Venus Williams, 45, received a wild-card entry to the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance.
Woman says tea laced with pills given to ex was a chemistry experiment
Esther Jane Stephen, a high school softball coach, was arrested in 2020 in the fatal shooting of her former fiancé Shea Briar in Jay County, Indiana. Prosecutors say Stephen, known as E.J., had attempted to kill him before with a drink laced with ibuprofen.
After Swiss Alps bar fire, a look at America's past nightclub and bar fires
A look at bar and nightclub fires in the United States with significant death tolls and similar risks that led to the tragedies.
U.S. says China military drills near Taiwan "increase tensions unnecessarily"
Chinese war games around Taiwan "unnecessarily" spiked tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department said, calling on Beijing to "cease its military pressure."
Trump says he underwent CT scan, not MRI, during October examination
"In retrospect, it's too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition," President Trump told The Wall Street Journal.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
U.S. reduces proposed tariffs on Italian pasta, Italy says
Steep U.S. import duties targeting 13 Italian pasta makers will be sharply reduced, Italy's foreign ministry said on Jan. 1.
Trump administration delays tariff increases on furniture, kitchen cabinets
The one-year delay comes as President Trump has rolled back some other import duties amid affordability concerns.
Price hikes hit ACA health insurance plans as subsidies expire
Enhanced tax credits that have helped Americans offset the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired overnight.
What's open on New Year's Day 2026? See which stores are operating.
Banks, post offices and major stock exchanges will be closed in observance of the federal holiday, but some stores are open.
Federal appeals court blocks Hawaii's tourist tax on cruise ships
The levy, which would impose a new 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passenger, was set to go into effect at the start of 2026.
Politics
More Politics
Records reveal Minnesota's long history with day care fraud warnings
Audits completed in the past 10 years show that Minnesota has lacked the teeth to properly vet attendance records and go after possible fraudsters proactively.
White House aiming to get final approval for Trump-backed ballroom by March
The Trump administration is aiming to move a planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom through the federal government's review process at a rapid clip, with final approvals as soon as early March.
4 takeaways from NYC Mayor Mamdani's inauguration speech
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani made bold promises for his administration in his first speech.
U.S. says China military drills near Taiwan "increase tensions unnecessarily"
Chinese war games around Taiwan "unnecessarily" spiked tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department said, calling on Beijing to "cease its military pressure."
Trump says he underwent CT scan, not MRI, during October examination
"In retrospect, it's too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition," President Trump told The Wall Street Journal.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Price hikes hit ACA health insurance plans as subsidies expire
Enhanced tax credits that have helped Americans offset the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired overnight.
Some states ban junk food from SNAP benefits
In 2026, several states are set to prohibit individuals from purchasing certain junk food items using their federal benefits. Meg Oliver has the details.
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
World
More World
"Like a horror movie": Survivors, witnesses describe Swiss ski resort fire
As a deadly fire tore through the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski town of Crans-Montana, young people trapped inside tried desperately to escape.
Venus Williams gets wild card for Australian Open at age 45
Venus Williams, 45, received a wild-card entry to the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance.
Grim wait for families as work begins to ID victims of Swiss resort fire
Many of those killed and injured by a fire that tore through a bar in Switzerland's Crans-Montana ski resort were teenagers celebrating the new year.
Trump says if Iran kills protesters, U.S. will "come to their rescue"
As U.S.-Iran tension soars, Trump warns violence against protesters could bring an American intervention: "We are locked and loaded and ready to go."
U.S. says China military drills near Taiwan "increase tensions unnecessarily"
Chinese war games around Taiwan "unnecessarily" spiked tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department said, calling on Beijing to "cease its military pressure."
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Rosé talks rise in music industry and doubts
K-pop star Rosé is up for three Grammy nominations, including Record and Song of the Year. She spoke with "CBS Mornings" about her rise to fame and the doubts she still has at times.
France defends granting George Clooney and his family French citizenship
George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, were granted French citizenship because "they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France's international influence and cultural outreach," the French government said.
Notable works entering the public domain in 2026
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Noah Wyle on authenticity of "The Pitt"
The hit series "The Pitt" has earned praise for its realistic look at the pressures facing health care workers. Chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook spoke to the star of the show, Noah Wyle, for "CBS Sunday Morning." Wyle talked about how the cast prepared for their roles beyond learning their lines before shooting the series even began.
Here's who's performing on New Year's Eve to ring in 2026
Here's what to know about the lineup of performances scheduled for New Year's Eve, as crowds gather in Times Square to ring in 2026.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Economic oasis emerges in the Arizona desert
Arizona is fast becoming a major hub for computer chip production thanks to what's being called the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history. Kris Van Cleave takes us to a sprawling campus in Phoenix that is providing thousands of jobs while reducing America's reliance on overseas products.
OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
Science
More Science
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Crime
More Crime
Woman says tea laced with pills given to ex was a chemistry experiment
Esther Jane Stephen, a high school softball coach, was arrested in 2020 in the fatal shooting of her former fiancé Shea Briar in Jay County, Indiana. Prosecutors say Stephen, known as E.J., had attempted to kill him before with a drink laced with ibuprofen.
Fallout grows over freezing of child care funds
After the Trump administration paused federal assistance to child care centers in Minnesota, parents are now wondering if their kids' day care is in jeopardy, as the government investigates fraud claims. Jonah Kaplan has been following this developing story.
Epstein survivors decry delay in releasing files
There may be millions of documents the Justice Department still needs to release from the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. By law, those files were required to be made public nearly two weeks ago. Scott MacFarlane has the latest.
Day care in Minneapolis vandalized after viral video purporting fraud
A Minneapolis day care says that vandals damaged the facility early this week, after a YouTube video purporting to expose fraud among day cares in the Twin Cities metro area went viral.
New Orleans marks 1 year since terror attack
New Orleans is marking one year since 14 people were killed and dozens more were injured in a terror attack on the city's iconic Bourbon Street. Kati Weis spoke to the family of one of the victims about how they're remembering their loved one.
Space
More Space
Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Rosé talks rise in music industry and doubts
K-pop star Rosé is up for three Grammy nominations, including Record and Song of the Year. She spoke with "CBS Mornings" about her rise to fame and the doubts she still has at times.
Man describes deadly Swiss Alps bar fire
Around 40 people were killed in a fire that happened at a bar at a popular ski resort in the Swiss Alps during New Year's celebrations. More than 100 were injured. Ramy Inocencio reports.
2026 kicks off with busy holiday travel
The first Friday of 2026 is expected to be one of the busiest holiday travel days with more than 47,000 U.S. flights scheduled to take off. More than 122 million Americans traveled over the past two weeks during the holiday season, according to AAA.
Softball coach, ex-player arrested for murder
Prosecutors allege an Indiana high school softball coach enlisted a former player in a plot to murder her ex-fiancé in January 2020. Anne-Marie Green reports for "48 Hours."
Millions facing health care cost increases
Enhanced tax credits that have helped reduce the cost of health insurance for the vast majority of Affordable Care Act enrollees expired overnight as 2026 arrived, cementing higher health costs for millions of Americans at the start of the new year. Nicole Sganga reports.